The portable ice maker comes up with many more advanced features than traditional ice trays. If you are considering using the portable ice maker, you should know its features. However, sometimes the ice maker stops making ice, which can be possible for several reasons.
Every time the ice maker doesn’t have to stop working, there is a problem. But it can be automatically turned off because of its advanced features. So there are always questions in the users’ minds that how ice maker know when to stop. The answer to this is simple and understandable.
What makes the ice maker automatically stop?
Thermal switch
Most portable ice makers come with a thermal switch inside the ice-making mold. There is an optimum temperature level; if this level goes high, the switch gets turned off automatically. This switch gets off only after freezing the water fully and making proper ice cubes.
Thus this is one of the basic reasons that the ice maker gets turned off automatically. You should know about this switch and know about its basic functions.
Level of water
For making ice, water is needed to a particular level. If you pour less water into the ice maker, the ice cannot be produced. Ensure that the water level is proper, and the water should be filled to a water line, reservoir, or indicator. In case the water level is optimal and your ice maker is still not making ice, then there could be other reasons.
Sensors
The portable ice makers come with built-in sensors, which help in various ways. These sensors also have indicating lights, and these signal the working of those sensors. When there is any rise in temperature or water level occurs, then these sensors work. These reflect light, and when you touch these as per the indications, they stop the process.
These sensors are very helpful in case the pipeline is filled with ice cubes. At that time, the ice maker stops making more ice to prevent any pressure on its components. So, this could be one of the basic answers to the question of how do ice makers know when to stop.
Freezer temperature above 10 degrees F
The optimum freezer temperature is 10 degrees F; if this goes above, ice cubes will not be produced. If you want that the ice maker works in proper condition, then make sure to check the freezer temperature.
The ice stops producing when the temperature rises above its optimum level. So always keep a check on the temperature of the freezer so that it should be accurate. If you do so, you can prevent further problems from arising and hindering the ice-making process.
Water inlet valve
A water inlet valve fitted in the ice maker is controlled electronically. This works in a way that supplies water to the ice maker dispensers. If insufficient pressure is placed on this valve, then the ice will stop producing.
This inlet valve automatically stops moving the water out to the tank, ultimately stopping the ice-making process. Thus make sure that this inlet valve is clean and not clogged. Sometimes the blockage or clogging of the valve could hinder the process to a great extent.
Ice maker assembly
There is another component or feature of the ice maker, which is the ice maker assembly. This is considered one of the main components of the portable ice maker. This might be possible that this part is defective, due to which the ice-producing process may get affected.
Most people don’t pay attention to these types of components as they are unaware of their functions. So it’s important to have a check on this type of component.
Ice maker module
There is an ice maker in the portable ice maker that runs on a motor. This module helps in releasing the ice cubes after the sensor’s working. The module sends power to the water valve so that the tray is filled again with the motor and starts another cycle.
If this module is not working properly, further processes will not occur. So make sure that you also check this module along with other components. This plays a very significant role in the process of producing ice.
Door switch
The water and ice dispenser get turned off if the freezer or refrigerator door is opened. This is done with the help of a door switch. Also, this door switch might be defective, resulting in the sensors switching off.
Make sure that this door switch is working properly; if not, try replacing it. Sometimes the door switch automatically stops working because of some minor issues so just try simple solutions instead of directly replacing it.
Ice level control board
An infrared beam is used in refrigerators, which senses the ice level in the bucket. If the level reaches the top of the storage bucket, then this causes an interruption to the beam. Due to this, the ice maker is switched off by the control board.
On the other hand, when the level drops down below the beam, then more ice would start making. Thus this control board may be the reason that your ice maker stopped making ice automatically.
Ice maker mold thermostat
The mold thermostat is a component set in the ice maker and helps monitor the temperature of the ice tray. When the mold reaches the accurate temperature level, then the made ice cubes will be ejected, and the ice mold will be refilled.
The mold thermostat helps set the temperature, which helps further processing. So this mold must be working properly, and if it’s not working properly, then make sure to fix the damages.
Switch of icemaker
The icemaker switch is one of the most important parts of the whole process. The process only gets started if this switch is turned on. Make sure that this is not defective or not turned off accidentally. If turning the switch is still not working, test the switch’s continuity using a multimeter.
This tells you the exact problem. If you can still find the problem, try replacing the switch. If you cannot find the solution, call the customer service center for further instructions and repair.
Insufficient water pressure
In case the water pressure is low, or there is not sufficient water reaching the inlet valve, the ice cannot be made. You need to check the flow of the water to see whether it’s proper or not. If the flow is insufficient, then the process may hinder, and as a result, there would be no ice cubes. Make sure that you check the water level before proceeding further, as this is the biggest reason for the failure of the process.
The portable ice maker works very efficiently and effectively as this comes with plenty of features. However, along with its usage, it’s also important that you keep it clean and maintain it regularly. By doing so, you can increase its performance and make it work more efficiently.
To do this, you have to know about its functions. Also, you should know when it could stop making ice automatically or due to any issues. Thus give it a try for once and just enjoy how it works for you by giving you fast ice cube production. After trying this, there is no going back to the traditional ice trays.